The transfer of Robinho jr was something Pompey reportedly discussed with Santos during their negotiations for Gustavo Caballero earlier this summer
Pompey’s search for new signings this summer has stretched far and wide.
Their ongoing summer recruitment drive has already seen them raid markets in Spain (Marko Milovanovic), Norway (Rocco Shein), New Zealand (Luke Brooke-Smith) and Ireland (Eoin Kenny).
There was also an unsuccessful attempt to bring in Jesper Ceesay from Turkey, a move that collapsed due to the Gambia international not being granted a work permit.
With foreign markets deemed to provide more bang for their buck, it’s a transfer ploy the Blues are adopting more and more, after initially focusing a lot of their attention on Australia’s A-League.
Indeed, last January saw Pompey recruit Paraguayan Gustavo Caballero from Brazilian side Santos on loan, with the winger helping the Fratton Park club safely navigate themselves away from the Championship relegation zone.
End-of-season discussions to make the World Cup player’s PO4 stay a permanent one proved fruitless after the Blues were unwilling to pay a pre-agreed transfer fee believed to be in the region of £2.5m, believing it no longer represented his true market value.
But that, reportedly, wasn’t the only negotiations Pompey entered into with the Brasileiro Série A outfit.
Former Real Madrid and Brazil forward Robinhoplaceholder image
Former Real Madrid and Brazil forward Robinho | Getty Images
According to Sport Witness, Robinho jr - the son of the former Brazil, Real Madrid and Manchester City forward - was also discussed as the Blues looked to learn the conditions of a move for the 18-year-old attacker.
It’s reported Pompey sounded out the terms of a deal, although the talks came to nothing as Robinho jr currently remains with Santos.
It’s also said the Blues are no longer interested in the player.
That doesn’t mean that the teenager won’t be on the move this summer.
It’s claimed clubs in Spain and Italy have recently been running their eye over the forward, while Santos are keen to sell as they continue to have financial issues.
A move for Robinho jr won’t come cheap, though.
Sport Witness are reporting Santos would accept €8m for 75% of the player’s rights, or more for a loan switch with an obligation to buy.
That’s despite the forward, who has scored just one goal in 21 appearances, bizarrely having a supposed €60m release clause in his current contract, which runs until June 2027.
As Pompey discovered this summer, recruiting from abroad can prove complicated.
Is it any wonder their reported discussions ended without progress if these numbers and conditions are correct.
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